Young Tec Voc Student Ready To Invest In Her Future

News Release

For Immediate Release

April 13, 2004

Winnipeg, Manitoba – A grade 12 student at Tec Voc High School has learned that setting realistic financial goals and making smart investment decisions can really pay off. As part of the national Test your Financial I.Q. Contest sponsored by the Manitoba Securities Commission, young Canadians were challenged to think about their finances and their future and put their thoughts in a short 500-750 word essay.

Wendy Kwong, a 17-year-old Tec Voc student submitted her essay as part of a school assignment and has been selected as the Manitoba winner. She will be presented with her $750 cash prize on April 15th.

“ Writing this essay was a great experience,” said Kwong. “I had a general understanding of investing but once I did the research I really discovered that there was a lot more to it. It was a good opportunity to find out what is available and realize how important it is to start investing at a young age.”

Kwong added that when she graduates, she will be attending the Business Administration course at Red River College and plans to use most of her winnings to invest in her future education.

“ We are quite pleased with the interest we’ve seen in the contest,” said Ainsley Cunningham, Education and Information Coordinator with the Manitoba Securities Commission. “We received 50 essays from Manitoba students this year and were encouraged that young Canadians are interested in taking the time to learn more about money and finances.”

The MSC contest is part of a national competition sponsored by the Canadian Securities Administrators. Thirteen winners have been selected, one from each province and territory, and have been awarded a $750 cash prize. All local winning essays will now be forwarded to the national judging panel where the winning essay will be awarded an additional $2,500. The CSA investor education committee will announce the national winner during Investor Education month in April.

Kwong will be presented her prize at the MSC’s 4th Annual power breakfast and professional development seminar on April 15th at the Fort Garry Hotel, Provencher Ballroom. Don Murray, Chair of the Commission will make the presentation at 9:45 am.

For more information contact:
Ainsley Cunningham
Education & Information Coordinator
Manitoba Securities Commission
(204) 945-4733 or 1-800-655-5244

The Manitoba Securities Commission is an independent office of the Government of Manitoba that protects investors and promotes fair and efficient business practices throughout the province. We are dedicated to ongoing investor education.